As far as the stock market goes your money is at significantly more risk than a savings account and it is very volatile in the short term however over long term (10+ years) low cost index funds have proved themselves reliable, unfortunately this isn't a feasible time frame if you are saving for a down payment in most cases.

If you reckon that you NEED an added unit to rent out, do you really think that the cost of buying your forever-duplex will be EASIER in 8 years time, even given your planned "low ROI" interim investments that are aimed at starting your equity-ball rolling?

On the scale of mistakes you can make, $200 is on the low end.

The FIfighter was pointing out those are the golden years where maintenence costs are really low.

PS ive bought a low cash flowing property Hoping for appreciation but it was way way below replacement costs and in a resort town.

They took a 5 acre parcel I had purchased to build new transmission lines and re-conductor old lines in order to provide power from a new utility scale solar generating plant (solar farm) they had constructed.My attorney hired the appraiser with only 2-3 weeks prior to the date our expert witness and discovery production had to be turned in to the courts.The appraiser found very low comps in the area.

The purchase price relatively low, only $47.5K.

I think in your situation, I would be using the extra savings from your very low rent to pay down debt and build savings.

We have decide to scale up and look for a 60+ property in a c or low b class.

There are also services that allow you to list your property in the MLS for a relatively low amount .